What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 108

Finnian nodded approvingly. "We're running one last set of tests tomorrow. If everything looks good, we can take her home."

Noelle reached out, gently brushing a stray lock of hair away from Brynlee's face. "Good. You really have to be so careful with kids. The winter viruses are brutal right now. You should probably keep her cooped up inside for a while until she's stronger."

"I agree. That's the plan," Finnian said.

Between the IVs and the constant blood draws over the last few days, Brynlee was thoroughly traumatized. She buried her face against Noelle's shoulder and mumbled, "I'm just gonna play at home. I won't run around. I don't want any more shots, and I never, ever want to come back to the hospital!"

Noelle immediately patted her back, her voice dripping with warmth. "Of course, sweetie. Whenever Aunt Noelle has free time, I'll come over and play with you. Just call me whenever you want to play a game, okay?"

After chatting with Brynlee for a few more minutes, Noelle casually looked up. "Where's Kaia? She must be completely exhausted by now."

"She went home to grab some clean clothes for Brynlee," Finnian replied.

Noelle didn't press further, settling into the chair to help Brynlee with her coloring.

"I'm going to step out for a smoke. Keep an eye on her for me," Finnian said, grabbing his heavy wool coat and heading for the door.

When Kaia finally returned, she walked in to see Noelle happily drawing with her daughter. Kaia's expression instantly turned to ice.

"Oh, Kaia, you're back." Noelle stood up, offering a perfectly pleasant smile. "Finnian stepped out for a cigarette, so I was just keeping Brynlee company with some drawing."

Seeing her mother, Brynlee bounced excitedly on the bed. "Mommy! Look at the picture I drew! Isn't it pretty?"

Kaia refused to make a scene in front of her child. She nodded, forcing a warm tone. "It's beautiful, sweetheart. I brought dinner. Let's eat."

Noticing Kaia's frosty demeanor, Noelle smiled gracefully. "Well, since you're here, I should get going. Brynlee, Aunt Noelle is leaving now. Be a good girl for your mom and dad, okay?"

"Bye, Aunt Noelle!" Brynlee waved politely.

Noelle gave Kaia one last lingering look before opening the door and stepping out into the hall.

She ran right into Finnian as he was walking back. The moment she saw him, a look of subtle, delicate grievance crossed her face.

"Is Kaia back?" Finnian asked, already guessing the answer.

"Yes. She's feeding Brynlee dinner, so I figured I shouldn't intrude." Noelle gave a small, sad smile and headed toward the elevators.

Finnian watched her walk away, a complicated mix of emotions pooling in his dark eyes.

Once upon a time, everyone praised the sisterly bond between Kaia and Noelle. Now, it was buried under layers of ice—and it was entirely Kaia's fault. Fighting for credit, aggressively maneuvering on projects, using her technical expertise to belittle others... it was simply beneath her.

Finnian had intended to go back into the hospital room, but suddenly, he didn't want to.

He pulled out his phone and fired off a text to Kaia: [Something came up. I'll be back in two hours.]

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